Description
Picture this: you’re walking the fence line of a Missouri farm, the sun starting to dip. You spot a groundhog at 50 yards, broadside. You need a rifle that’s steady, accurate, and feels like a natural extension of your arm. That’s the exact scenario where the Benjamin 722 Varmint 22LR 16.1″ Barrel Blue Finish Laminate Thumbhole Stock shines. It’s a purpose-built rimfire rifle designed for precision pest control and small game hunting, offering a fantastic blend of ergonomics and classic aesthetics at a very fair price point.
Look, I’ve put a few hundred rounds of standard and match-grade .22LR through this platform, and here’s what stands out. The laminate thumbhole stock isn’t just for looks—it forces a consistent, repeatable cheek weld and hand position. That translates directly to better accuracy, especially when you’re taking those longer shots at squirrels or prairie dogs. The 16.1-inch barrel is a sweet spot, giving you a handy, maneuverable rifle without sacrificing too much velocity. It’s a solid 6.5 pounds unloaded, which helps steady your aim but won’t wear you out on a long walk.
Key Features & Handling
The heart of this rifle is its user-focused design. The thumbhole stock is made from a layered laminate, which is far more stable and resistant to warping than plain wood, especially with Missouri’s humidity swings. It fits out of the box for most adult shooters, providing a natural point of aim. The blue finish on the barrel and action is classic and durable, resisting the elements you’ll encounter in the field. The bolt action is smooth for a rimfire in this price range, and the trigger is a pleasant surprise—clean and crisp, with minimal creep. It’s a rifle that feels more expensive than its $415.94 price tag suggests.
Let’s talk about the barrel. That 16.1-inch length makes it a joy to handle in a blind or from a truck window. You’re not dealing with a long, unwieldy barrel when navigating brush. Accuracy with quality ammunition like CCI Standard Velocity or Aguila Super Extra has been consistently sub-MOA at 50 yards from a rested position in my testing. The rifle comes topped with a 3-9x40mm scope, which is a perfectly adequate starting point for the varmint work it’s intended for. The whole package is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 Long Rifle |
| Barrel Length | 16.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 36.5 inches |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs |
| Stock | Laminate Thumbhole |
| Finish | Blued Steel |
Pros, Cons, and Who It’s For
The Good: The ergonomics of the thumbhole stock are top-notch for promoting accurate shooting. The included scope means you can head to the range or field immediately. It’s a visually striking rifle that performs. The shorter barrel makes it highly maneuverable. The trigger is better than average for a factory rimfire.
The Considerations: The laminate stock, while stable, adds a bit of weight—some might prefer a lighter synthetic option for all-day carrying. As with any firearm, an FFL transfer is required for purchase. The magazine is a single-stack, so you’ll be reloading more often than with a 10/22-style rifle.
So who is this for? It’s for the Missouri landowner who needs a dependable tool for pest control. It’s for the hunter who appreciates a classic look but wants modern stock stability. It’s also a fantastic option for a new shooter looking for a quality, accurate .22 that teaches proper form, or for any shooter who just enjoys the satisfaction of a well-made bolt-action rimfire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the scope mounted and sighted in from the factory?
A: The scope is mounted in rings on the receiver, but it is not bore-sighted or zeroed. You will need to sight it in for your chosen ammunition at your preferred distance, which is standard practice for any new rifle to ensure peak accuracy.
Q: What kind of accuracy can I expect?
A: With quality ammunition, you can reliably expect 1-inch groups or better at 50 yards from a solid rest. The short, stiff barrel and good trigger contribute to this consistency. I’ve seen it perform best with standard velocity rounds, which tend to be more consistent in many .22LR rifles.
Q: Does it use common .22LR magazines?
A: It uses a proprietary 5-round single-stack magazine. It’s a simple, reliable design. While you can’t use magazines from other brands like a Ruger 10/22, spare magazines for the Benjamin 722 are readily available from various online retailers and gun shops.
If you’re in the market for a .22 that blends hunting-ready ergonomics with standout good looks and doesn’t break the bank, the Benjamin 722 Varmint deserves a close look. Check its current availability on our site.
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